COVID-19 in Indigenous communities: What you need to know this week
March 24, 2021
The number of active COVID-19 cases continues to decline as vaccination efforts ramp up in First Nations and Inuit communities, according to the latest data from Indigenous Services Canada. There were 1,136 active cases in First Nations communities as of March 22, a decrease of 130 cases from the week prior. As of March 18, there were six active cases in the Nunavik region of Quebec. As of March 23, there were zero active cases in Nunavut.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenous-covid-19-update-1.5960242
Minister Miller, Minister Sajjan and Indigenous Services Canada officials to hold a news conference on coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
March 24, 2021
Please be advised that the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, Christiane Fox, Deputy Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, and Dr. Tom Wong, Chief Medical Officer of Public Health, will hold a news conference to provide an update on coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
MPP wanted to encourage Indigenous people to get vaccinated, Ford accused him of line-jumping
March 23, 2021
There are two things to know about the last few weeks in the life of Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa. One, on March 1, he was invited to “lead by example” by travelling to Sandy Lake First Nation to receive his second vaccination publicly. (He got his first for the same reason in Muskrat Dam First Nation.) Many Indigenous people are hesitant to get a vaccine from a government that has treated them so poorly and some communities only had 10- to 20-per cent turnout.
Vaccinations bring relief for Gull Bay First Nation
March 23, 2021
The vaccination of hundreds of members over the past week comes as a welcome relief for Gull Bay First Nation, which saw numerous cases in the pandemic’s early days. Beyond providing protection for the estimated 200 members vaccinated at the CLE Coliseum building Saturday, the shots will also help restore connection.
https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/vaccinations-bring-relief-for-gull-bay-first-nation-3564465
Ontario reports over 1,500 new COVID-19 cases and 10 more deaths
March 24, 2021
The Government of Ontario confirmed 1,571 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday morning, with 10 more virus-related deaths. Wednesday’s cases a slightly higher than Tuesday’s 1,546, but less than Monday’s 1,699, Sunday’s 1,791, Saturday’s 1,829, and Friday’s 1,745.
https://dailyhive.com/toronto/ontario-new-covid-19-cases-march-24
Vaccine bookings open for Indigenous residents 55+
March 23, 2021
Indigenous residents of Thunder Bay born in 1966 and earlier can sign up for vaccination clinics starting on Wednesday, health agencies have announced. Clinics are scheduled for March 30 through April 1 at the Coliseum and Heritage buildings on the CLE grounds.
https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/vaccine-bookings-open-for-indigenous-residents-55-3569991
Premier Addresses Vaccinations In Northern Ontario
March 23, 2021
Premier Doug Ford isn’t throwing cold water on plans to increase COVID-19 vaccinations in hard hit communities in northern Ontario. Ford says everything is on the table.
https://www.ckdr.net/2021/03/23/premier-addresses-vaccinations-in-northern-ontario/
Here’s who’s eligible for COVID-19 vaccines in 2nd phase of Ontario’s plan
March 23, 2021
As the Ontario government moves closer to the second phase of its COVID-19 vaccination plan, questions have been growing about who will be eligible to be inoculated as supply increases. According to the government’s plans, health-care workers across Ontario are expected to move into phase two of the three-phase plan sometime in April. The exact date has yet to be announced.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7714380/covid-ontario-vaccination-plan-phase-2/
AstraZeneca trial results may have included ‘outdated’ information, U.S. health officials say
March 23, 2021
Results from a U.S. trial of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine may have included “outdated information” and that could mean the company provided an incomplete view of efficacy data, U.S. federal health officials said early Tuesday.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/astrazeneca-us-trial-covid19-outdated-1.5960112
After 30 years, Zhiibaahaasing to lose boil water advisory
March 24, 2021
This past Thursday, March 18, a quartet of cabinet ministers in the Canadian and Ontarian governments joined with First Nation chiefs, councillors and band managers to announce a multi-million-dollar investment into ending boil water advisories in Ontario First Nations, including in the press conference’s host community of Zhiibaahaasing, whose citizens have had to boil their drinking water for three decades since the community’s rebirth in 1991.
https://www.manitoulin.com/after-30-years-zhiibaahaasing-to-lose-boil-water-advisory/
Garden River First Nation receives funding to replace 50-year-old waterline
March 23, 2021
Garden River First Nation (GRFN) is receiving $2.8 million in federal funding to replace a 50-year-old waterline in its community. In a press release issued this afternoon, Chief Andy Rickard said that the funding will allow for the First Nation to replace and enhance the old system with new technology and equipment.
Funding provided for Nipissing FN water plant
March 22, 2021
Nipissing First Nation will receive more than $2.7 million from the federal and provincial governments for new water treatment infrastructure. The funding is part of a multimillion-dollar announcement last week, which will see the federal and provincial governments provide more than $69.5 million and more than $16.9 million, respectively, for 37 clean water, wastewater and storm water projects in Ontario.
https://www.nugget.ca/news/funding-provided-for-nipissing-fn-water-plant
Canada, Ontario funding water, sewer upgrades at Wiiky, BI, Zhiibaahaasing
March 24, 2021
Wiikwemkoong, Whitefish River and Zhiibaahaasing are set to receive nearly $8 million combined for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades within their communities. This is part of a federal funding injection of $69.5 million, a provincial contribution of $16.9 million and First Nation contributions of $5.8 million to improve critical water and wastewater infrastructure in 37 Ontario First Nations.
https://www.manitoulin.com/canada-ontario-funding-water-sewer-upgrades-at-wiiky-bi-zhiibaahaasing/
Anishinabek Nation leadership call for justice for Cileana Taylor
March 23, 2021
On behalf of the Anishinabek Nation, Grand Council Chief Glen Hare and Southeast Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief James Marsden send their sincere condolences to the family of Cileana Taylor of Curve Lake First Nation.
Boushie family was treated unjustly from the beginning, says university professor
March 23, 2021
A University of Prince Edward Island professor says a watchdog report that found RCMP racially discriminated against Colten Boushie’s mother isn’t surprising. “It was yesterday’s news, like, before Colten passed away,” Omeasoo Wahpasiw, an assistant professor who teaches in the university’s education and arts departments, told The Morning Edition‘s Ted Deller.
Colten Boushie report highlights need for more RCMP training, say experts
March 23, 2021
An RCMP watchdog report that concluded police racially discriminated against the bereaved mother of Colten Boushie when its officers notified her of his death underscores the need to address systemic racism in policing, experts say.
Barbara Kentner, and missing and murdered Indigenous women in Thunder Bay
March 23, 2021
In 2017 Barbara Kentner, a 34-year-old Anishinaabe woman from Thunder Bay, Ontario, was killed after being hit in the abdomen by a trailer hitch thrown at her from a moving car. She succumbed to her injuries several months after the attack, dying in July of that same year.
‘I want justice,’ Pikangikum Chief on OPP’s removal
March 23, 2021
A provincial investigation is underway after the removal of OPP officers and nursing staff in Pikangikum First Nation. On March 20, Chief Dean Owen and Pikangikum Band Councilors voted to expel members of the OPP after allegations of ‘incidents involving constables that occurred in the community over many years’, states a prepared release from the community.
https://www.drydennow.com/local/i-want-justice-pikangikum-chief-on-opp-s-removal
Ontario MPP ‘ashamed to be part of Canada’ over treatment of Indigenous Peoples
March 23, 2021
Sol Mamakwa wants to changes people’s minds about Indigenous Peoples. It’s one of the reasons he ran for office in the 2018 provincial election in Ontario and it’s why he’s running again in 2022. Mamakwa, a Kingfisher Lake band member, also wants to bring about change for the people of the riding he represents.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/facetoface/sol-mamakwa-mpp-ontario-racism/
Indigenous communities need more mental health support in wake of COVID-19: report
March 24, 2021
Many Indigenous communities are struggling to cope with dual states of emergency, thanks to the pandemic and its effects on those with mental illness and addictions. That’s according to a new report from a committee of MPs who spent the last year studying the effects of COVID-19 on Indigenous populations in Canada.
How to Create an Indigenous Child Welfare System
March 23, 2021
It’s been over a year since a federal law affirming the right of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to run their own child welfare systems came into force.
Local Author catches the attention of the Obama’s
March 23, 2021
Angeline Boulley’s debut novel “Firekeeper’s Daughter” came out March 16, 2021, and has already made waves in the literary world. She joins SaultOnline to talk about the debut of her book.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/local-author-catches-attention-obamas-193018154.html
Experiences of First Nations adolescents living with type 2 diabetes: a focus group study
March 22, 2021
Despite prevention efforts, type 2 diabetes mellitus continues to increase in incidence among First Nations children and is associated with early and aggressive complications. We aimed to determine the experiences of adolescents living with type 2 diabetes and the barriers to living well with type 2 diabetes that adolescents perceived.
https://www.cmaj.ca/content/193/12/E403
Wiikwemkoong’s last Second World War veteran has begun his spirit journey
March 24, 2021
Although his health had been faltering in recent months, Wiikwemkoong’s last Second World War veteran, Donald Joseph “Scotty” Fisher (Odjig), remained his upbeat and feisty self to the end—even serving as the poster elder for the COVID-19 vaccine on the front page of The Expositor when residents of the Wikwemikong Nursing Home received their shots, the first on Manitoulin to get the jab.
https://www.manitoulin.com/wiikwemkoongs-last-second-world-war-veteran-has-begun-his-spirit-journey/
Ontario funds Debajehmujig Storytellers to expand its reach
March 24, 2021
Core funding is the lifeblood of any arts organization and theatre companies have been among the hardest hit by the restrictions imposed to combat the pandemic. Debajehmujig Storytellers recently received $265,000 from a $25 million provincial fund for arts organizations that will flow through the Ontario Arts Council.
https://www.manitoulin.com/ontario-funds-debajehmujig-storytellers-to-expand-its-reach/
The movement to address environmental racism is growing. This bill could provide the data it needs
March 24, 2021
Ada Lockridge has been fighting for cleaner air in her community for 20 years. She recalls times when she and other residents of Aamjiwnaang First Nation “would smell that awful smell, the one that’s burning your nose, burning your eyes, your throat” and have to call police to report a suspected chemical leak.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/environmental-racism-bill-c-230-1.5954082
TFN receives funding for Oral Histories project
March 24, 2021
Three exhibitions looking at different aspects of the historic culture in Northern Ontario have been given a boost with a recent funding announcement by the Department of Canadian Heritage. Temagami First Nation, the North Bay Area Museum Society, and Temiskaming Art Gallery have all been awarded over $55,000 each to go towards three separate projects.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/tfn-receives-funding-oral-histories-135059559.html
Chippewa students raise money for war survivors
March 23, 2021
A pair of Chippewa Secondary School students have raised some significant funds for a unique program. Paris Fuzy and Zachary Kizell, who are in the International Baccalaureate diploma program, have raised $850 for the Big Fix Uganda.
https://www.baytoday.ca/local-news/chippewa-students-raise-money-for-war-survivors-3565721
Wiikwemkoong gets funds towards new nursing home build
March 24, 2021
The excitement was palpable as word spread throughout the halls at Wikwemikong Nursing Home (WNH) that the long-term care facility’s expansion plans had been approved.
https://www.manitoulin.com/wiikwemkoong-gets-funds-towards-new-nursing-home-build/
Innu hunter from Natashquan receives death threats over video of caribou kill
March 23, 2021
When Daniel Lalo posted a video of a recent caribou kill to Facebook, he says he was hoping to show the youth from his home community of Natashquan – 1,000 kilometres northeast of Quebec City – a traditional way to “finish off” an injured animal.
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/innu-hunter-caribou-kill-natashquan-labrador-quebec/
Cowessess First Nation launches independent child welfare tribunal
March 23, 2021
A southern Saskatchewan First Nation has created a tribunal independent of the provincial court system for handling child welfare matters. On Monday, Cowessess First Nation launched the Eagle Woman Tribunal (EWT), which will make decisions on child welfare concerns, including custody disputes and citizen appeals.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7714099/cowessess-first-nation-child-welfare-eagle-woman-tribunal/
Courageous Indigenous women rise up against online abuse
March 24, 2021
In the last decade, Canada, like many countries, has stepped up efforts to crack down on the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. The negative repercussions of such crimes, both to women’s mental health and their innate dignity as human beings, make these kinds of offences particularly loathsome.
‘Priceless’ headdress missing for 4 months found inside Winnipeg Canada Post depot
March 23, 2021
A First Nation headdress that was supposed to be used for an inauguration ceremony before it went missing four months ago has been found sitting in Winnipeg’s Canada Post depot. “We’re just really, really delighted that we were able to make sure that something so sacred and culturally valuable is reunited with the family that it belongs to,” said Myron May, who works at the Canada Post processing plant near the airport.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/missing-headdress-canada-post-winnipeg-1.5960277
Mi’kmaw fishermen to assert treaty right for lobster fishing in court case
March 23, 2021
The stage is now set in Nova Scotia for another round in the court battles over Indigenous fishing rights. The lawyer for four Mi’kmaw fishermen appeared by phone Tuesday in Yarmouth provincial court. The men admit they were fishing for lobster aboard the vessel Charlene Helen off Pinkney’s Point, Yarmouth County, in September 2019.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/mikmaw-fishermen-assert-treaty-rights-1.5960980
Winnipeg transition centre Makoon Transition opens for families navigating the child welfare system
March 23, 2021
For the past month, Patrick has been living in an apartment situated at one of the busiest corners in Winnipeg’s West End. To passers-by the grey two-story building looks like many of the others in the neighbourhood, but for Patrick this apartment block is more than just a home – it’s a place where he can rebuild his life with his two young daughters.
Esgenoôpetitj First Nation comes together to build first rink in decades
March 24, 2021
Kyla Dedam wasn’t always a fan of gym class. Now it’s a highlight in her day. The 13-year-old looks forward to the moment when she gets to leave school behind and cross the street to the Esgenoôpetitj First Nation’s new ice rink. “It feels great,” she said. “When the teacher takes us out I get very excited now.”
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/esgenoopetitj-new-rink-1.5959743
Saskatchewan premier yet to read report into RCMP handling of Colten Boushie death
March 23, 2021
Saskatchewan’s premier says he has yet to read the full report by a complaints commission that found RCMP discriminated against the mother of Colten Boushie — an Indigenous man who was shot and killed on a farm.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7715262/saskatchewan-premier-rcmp-crcc-colten-boushie/
Charting path to vaccination success in northern Manitoba
March 23, 2021
A sense of cautious optimism is spreading across northern Manitoba as First Nations prepare for one of the most ambitious health campaigns in Canada. The first trickle of COVID-19 vaccine doses in a push to immunize most adults in remote communities started this week, while the long-awaited inoculation supersite in Thompson has been so popular, it’s run out of shots.
Northern Manitoba First Nation communities begin mass vaccination effort
March 23, 2021
Pimicikamak, also known as Cross Lake, and Peguis First Nation has already begun their mass COVID-19 vaccination effort since Monday.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/northern-manitoba-first-nation-communities-222344076.html
Budding Indigenous entrepreneurs in Cape Breton are learning skills to turn their passions into businesses
March 23, 2021
Rain Poulette has been taking photographs professionally since 2018, working out of their home in Membertou First Nation but they have always dreamed of opening a studio space to grow their business in their own community.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/budding-indigenous-entrepreneurs-cape-breton-224834138.html
Indigenous Mentorship Organization aims to Close the Gap in Education & Employment in Canada
March 24, 2021
Influence is an Indigenous-owned and operated organization working collaboratively with post-secondary institutions across the nation to partner Indigenous students in Canadian colleges, universities and polytechnic institutions with suitable mentors.
University of Blue Quills launches Indigenous family literacy program
March 24, 2021
On March 18, 2021 the University of Blue Quills (UnBQ) announced the launch of “Read, Learn, Laugh,” a family literacy program resource guide for supporting Indigenous family literacy. The Read Learn Laugh Program resource guide focuses on developing and promoting literacy skills for adults and their young children.
Water is a human right: Advocacy group dives into water crises affecting Indigenous populations
March 23, 2021
Your alarm goes off for work and you roll out of bed, making your way to the kitchen. Once you get there you pour a glass of water, quenching your thirst from the night before as you begin washing fruit for your breakfast. Next, you rinse a few dishes before heading to the bathroom to wash your face and brush your teeth. By the time you leave for work, you have probably turned your tap on at least six times without giving it a second thought.
First Indigenous-led geothermal project in Northern B.C. gets $40 million
March 24, 2021
The government of Canada has approved a $40.5 million investment towards an Indigenous-led geothermal development project in Alberta, after support from the First Nations Major Projects Coalition.
Vancouver arts curator’s Indigenous ancestry claims panned as ‘pretendian’
March 23, 2021
Recent revelations that a Vancouver arts curator’s claims to Indigenous identity may be fraudulent adds to growing concerns about race-shifting in the arts and academic communities, where false claims of Indigenous identity can reap rewards and leave real Indigenous community members out in the cold.
DFO investigating site where dead herring found dumped off wharf in B.C.
March 23, 2021
As concerns swirl around dwindling herring stocks in the Salish Sea, a boat load of herring carcasses has been discovered off the east coast of Vancouver Island. On Friday, the volunteer group Conservancy Hornby Island (CHI) received an anonymous email alleging that a commercial fishing vessel had dumped the load of dead herring at the Deep Bay Marina located central East Vancouver Island.
Westbank First Nation extends rent freeze due to COVID-19
March 23, 2021
Westbank First Nation has further extended its rental increase freeze in recognition of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The freeze has been extended from July 1, 2021 to Jan.1, 2022. Rental increase notices previously resolved by council to go into effect on July 1 will now become effective on Jan. 1, 2022. The move follows a similar extended freeze elsewhere in B.C.
A nation dispersed: The Tlowitsis lay foundations to rebuild community
March 23, 2021
Displaced from their traditional territories and scattered across Vancouver Island and beyond for more than 50 years, the Tlowitsis First Nation is on the cusp of breaking ground on a home for its people.
Round table presents traditional Inuit knowledge in the contemporary world
March 23, 2021
Broadcasting live from Iqaluit, Nunavut on March 19, Aaju Peter lit and kindled a small fire over a large stone tub of oil as students, professors, and artists witnessed the flame spread. By lighting the qulliq—a traditional oil lamp used by Arctic Indigenous Peoples—Peter commenced Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit: Traditional Knowledge in the Contemporary World, an online round table showcasing Inuit culture and wisdom. The qulliq’s lighting reflected the round table’s thematic emphasis on historical and contemporary Inuit cultural practices.
Nunavut government pitches site for future recovery centre
March 23, 2021
The Government of Nunavut pitched a location for its addictions and trauma treatment facility to the City of Iqaluit’s planning committee Tuesday. The government is proposing the future Nunavut Recovery Centre be built on a 7,700-square-metre parcel of land already reserved for institutional use just north of Toonik Pond on the Road to Nowhere.
https://nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/nunavut-government-pitches-site-for-future-recovery-centre/
Qaggiq Time: Iqaluit arts group brings back Inuit tradition – with an eye to the future
March 23, 2021
The Qaggiq that towered over the land in Iqaluit over the weekend is a testimony to Inuit everything. Architecture, engineering, art and culture all come together when you build an igloo big enough to host a party. Qaggiavuut are a Nunavut group trying to build a performing arts centre in Iqaluit.
The sea ice in northern Labrador is thinning — fast. Here’s why the Inuit are worried
March 24, 2021
As raindrops pelted down the night of March 3, it felt a bit like fall in Barry Andersen’s home of Makkovik. “You wouldn’t know it [wasn’t] October with the rain storms we had on the go,” Andersen said.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/labrador-nunatsiavut-sea-ice-1.5951551
China slams Canada’s treatment of First Nations in response to sanctions
March 23, 2021
China lashed out Tuesday against Canada and other western countries saying they have no right to criticize the regime’s human-rights record, considering their own.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/china-slams-canadas-treatment-first-182715438.html
UPCOMING EVENTS
Call for artist interpretations/artwork for the Assembly of First Nations 2021 Annual General Assembly
The Chiefs of Ontario Host Committee will be hosting the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) 42nd Annual General Assembly in Toronto in July 2021 and is currently accepting original Indigenous artwork to be submitted. Artwork will be used for materials by the Chiefs of Ontario Host Committee and the AFN in promoting the Assembly. We are seeking artwork that supports and promotes First Nations culture in Ontario.
Chiefs of Ontario Discussion Session on Federal Policing Legislation
Chiefs of Ontario’s Justice Sector is hosting a discussion session on March 29th from 3:00 – 5:00 pm with Leadership and technicians to share preliminary thoughts about a federal policing legislation. Contact Sarah-Grace Ross at sarah-grace.ross@coo.org for more information.
Save the Date: Chiefs of Ontario 47th All Ontario Chiefs Conference 2021
The Chiefs of Ontario and Grand Council Treaty #3 will be hosting the 47th All Ontario Chiefs Conference 2021 on June 15-17, 2021. For the Chiefs of Ontario All Ontario Chiefs Conference (AOCC), please find the 1st Call for Resolutions attached. Deadline for Resolutions is Wednesday, May 26, 2021. For more information, please visit https://www.chiefsmeeting.com/aocc-2021.
Issue 9 of The Official Chiefs of Ontario Magazine, The Advocate is now online!
To view, please click here: https://www.mediaedgemagazines.com/the-chiefs-of-ontario-coo/oo21c/.
International Association for Great Lakes Research (IAGLR) Annual Meeting, May 17-21, 2021
Hosted by Michigan Technological University, the virtual conference will feature four days of scientific sessions and speakers focusing on our theme Bridging: Knowledge, Seven Generations, Land-to-Lake.
For more information and registration, click here: https://bit.ly/3nI8gUh.
Chiefs of Ontario Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
Find Our Latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates Here. This website provides information on emergency planning and preparedness, as well as on the unique programs and services that are available to First Nations in Ontario during times of emergency.
